Spain Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Franco's Passing
Spain has commemorated the five-decade milestone of dictator Franco's demise with an lack of state ceremonies but with a statement by the premier to heed the lessons of the dictatorship and protect democratic liberties that was wrenched from us for decades.
Background History
Franco, whose military coup against the legitimate government in 1936 sparked a civil conflict and ushered in generations of authoritarian rule, passed away in Madrid on November 20, 1975.
Despite the government has arranged an extended calendar of events to mark the post-Franco transformation, it avoided official ceremonies on the actual anniversary of the ruler's demise to avoid accusations that it was trying to honor his death.
Current Issues
The anniversary comes amid increasing concerns about the limited understanding about the dictatorship, particularly among the youth.
Survey data has shown that more than 21% of those surveyed felt the dictatorship period was positive or excellent, while additional research found nearly 25% of youth population felt that an authoritarian regime could occasionally be better to a democratic system.
Government Perspective
No democracy – including ours – is perfect, the leader stated. Considerable work lies ahead to create the preferred country and that we can be: a place of more opportunity; increased freedoms and reduced disparity.
The premier, who pointedly did not refer Franco by name, also commented that democracy didn't fall from the sky, adding that today's freedoms had been secured by the determination and fortitude of citizens.
Remembrance Programs
The authorities have utilized historical memory legislation enacted recently to try to help Spain come to terms with its past.
- Renaming the historical site – previously known as the Valley of the Fallen
- Developing a registry of assets taken by the government
- Seeking to eliminate the remaining emblems of the era
Foundation Closure Efforts
The government is also in the concluding steps of its efforts to close the Francisco Franco National Foundation, which operates to maintain and advance the leader's memory.
The culture minister declared that his ministry was attempting to ensure that the historical records – currently in the possession of the organization – was handed over to the state so it could be accessed by all Spaniards.
Political Resistance
The right-wing political group is boycotting the government's initiative to celebrate 50 years of democracy, as is the conservative faction, which dismissed the programme an morbid fascination that divides Spaniards.
Past Consequences
Over half a million individuals perished in the civil war, while numerous others were compelled to leave.
Punitive measures extended well after Franco's victory in 1939, and the bodies of more than 100,000 people who perished in the violence and in its aftermath are thought to remain in unmarked mass graves.
Democratic Transition
After the dictator's death, Spain embarked on the transition to representative government, holding free elections in 1977 and ratifying a fresh charter in a public ballot afterward.
